NHS Track completion celebrated with Chamber ribbon cutting

The facility upgrades include new and updated equipment and a complete refinishing of all six lanes of asphalt track, pole vault runway, pole vault pit, and high jump area to a new state-of the art rubberized surface. Upgrades were also made to the discus cage and shot put area, and new hurdles were purchased.

Niceville High School (NHS) students, parents, coaches, administrators, and community supporters gathered this week to celebrate the completion of the track facility upgrades with a Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.

The facility upgrades include new and updated equipment and a complete refinishing of all six lanes of asphalt track, pole vault runway, pole vault pit, and high jump area to a new state-of the art rubberized surface. Upgrades were also made to the discus cage and shot put area, and new hurdles were purchased.

Statistics show that training on rubber tracks reduces the risk of stress related injuries by 50 percent according to a 2002 report published by the “Journal of Applied Physiology,” authored by Amy Kerdok and colleagues. The updates also enable NHS athletes to practice on campus rather than traveling to Eglin Air Force Base or Destin as they have done in the past.

The 2016-2017 NHS Track Team consisted of 110 sprinters, throwers, hurdlers and distance runners. Of those, 41 athletes and seven relay teams qualified for regionals and nine individuals and four relay teams that qualified for the 3A state meet.

The NHS Track Team is led by Todd Brigman and Jamie LaFollette, both of whom were named the 2016-2017 Daily News Track and Field Coaches of the Year.

The total cost of the project was $125,000 and was funded by the support of the local businesses, organizations, individuals, and the City of Niceville. Students, parents, and supporters held numerous fundraisers and contributed 1000s of volunteer hours.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony Principal Charlie Marello said that the public is welcome to walk/run the track during non-school hours.